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Missed It By 'That' Much

Compromise (Convictions) God's Will Guidance

Source: "How to Read Degrees on a Compass" By Ben Beers, published on sciencing.com, April 25, 2017

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Victor Stewart | Date Posted: 2024-03-13

Scripture: Psalms 119:1 ; Proverbs 3:6

Author: Victor Stewart
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ILLUSTRATION

Different directional compasses bear different markings. Some compasses are marked off to display a full 360 degrees, and some are marked in gradations of 20 degrees. Some also display a "declination." The declination is a means of showing the difference between magnetic north and true north. 

Have you ever been on a cruise ship out in the middle of the ocean and wondered how in the world the captain and crew knew which way to go? We know they use, among many navigational tools, a compass, but how does it work?

If you've ever looked at a compass, you know that there are hundreds of little hash marks — 360 to be exact — that mark off each separate degree of direction.

When a captain sets course, they know exactly to which little degree mark they need to set the compass. As long as they stay on that course, they will reach their destination.

But what would happen if someone moved the compass one little tiny degree to the left? At first it would look like you were still going in the same direction, on course for your destination. But in reality, as the vessel proceeded en route, the ship would be moving ever so slightly 1° away from the original course.

Before you know it, that ship would be miles away from its planned destination, all because it was one little tiny degree off course.

APPLICATION

It is the same way in our spiritual experience ...

We set the course for our life, our day, our relationships, our work experience, etc., with the intention of focusing on Jesus, but we are fighting an enemy who wants to get us off course.

Of course our enemy — ol' Beezlebub — knows we won't likely make a 180° turn away from God, or even a 45° move away from Him. But if he can get us to compromise just one little degree, all he need do is just be patient. 

While we think we are right on course, slowly but surely, we drift, until one day we wake up and wonder how in the world we got so far from the Lord's will for our lives.

We are wise to keep checking the compass. Keep charting our course in alignment with His will and His word.

Psalms 119:1-8 (MSG):
 
1 You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
2 You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
3 That's right - you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
4 You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
7 I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Rumors of Misused Funds for Ukraine

Satan God's Will Victory

Source: "No Signs that Ukraine Aid Is Being Misused, DOD Tells Lawmakers" by by ADC, published Mar 1 by ADC, retrieved 3/20/23, 2023

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: John Bottrell | Date Posted: 2023-03-20

Scripture: Matthew 6:20 ; Isaiah 55:11

Author: John Bottrell
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ILLUSTRATION

There are rumors that are Ukrainian funds that were sent by America have been misused and given to enemy soldiers. Celeste Wallander who is the assistant secretary of defense for International security affairs said, "The US government has not seen credible evidence of any diversion of US-provided weapons outside of Ukraine."

Though not yet credible, there is still doubt and fear that we are supplying the enemy. 

APPLICATION

We need not fear anything that we do in faith and wisdom for God and His kingdom will be used or appropriated by the enemy. Any word that we spread for Christ, any funds we commit to God's service, anything that we do for His glory will always be recognized by God. Though Satan might try to commandeer our efforts, to God alone belongs the victory!

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20, NIV).

"For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it" (Isaiah 55:10-11, NIV).

A Purpose Greater Than Ourselves

Purpose Apologetics God's Will

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2022-02-09

Scripture: Matthew 22:37

Author: Illustration Exchange
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ILLUSTRATION

In discussions about the existence of God, I have often raised the question of why eyebrows and fingernails should have a purpose while the person who possesses them does not?  Literally, every cell in the human body serves something bigger than itself but the whole man is left only to serve himself.  

Unless there is a power higher than man, a Creator who loves us and has a purpose for having brought us into existence, there can be no consistency on this point between the many parts and the whole. 

APPLICATION

Surely, the vast work of creation suggests a higher purpose for mankind, the pinnacle of it all.  Surely, whoever gave each part such a specific role to play has a purpose for the whole. Surely, there is more meaning to our lives than maximizing our pleasure.  

But that is all we’re left with should we scrub God from our collective consciousness.  To have a purpose beyond ourselves, there must be a God who loves us and created us to love Him in return.  Short of this, we end up with a universe full of parts, carefully designed to serve something higher, but the beneficiary of all those parts, man, with no transcendent purpose.  

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38, ESV). 

Scrutinizing Seashells

Circumstances Faith God's Will

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2022-02-03

Scripture: Romans 11:33

Author: Mitchell Dillon
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Praying In The Wrong Direction

Prayer Perseverance God's Will

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2018-12-31

Scripture: Matthew 7:7 ; 1 John 5:14

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Prayer Changes Me

Prayer Acceptance God's Will

Contributed By: Glenn Newton | Date Posted: 2017-06-03

Scripture: Matthew 26:37 ; Matthew 26:46

Author: Glenn Newton
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Man Digs Hole In The Jungle For God

God's Will Obedience Calling

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2017-02-17

Scripture: Colossians 3:23

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Where Was God In The Paris Attacks?

Apologetics God's Will Free Will

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2015-12-14

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12 ; Romans 2:5

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Everything Means Something

Apologetics Meaning of Life God's Will

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2015-11-09

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Honoring The Lord's Name

Prophecy God's Will God's Name

Contributed By: Stephen Kingsley | Date Posted: 2014-07-25

Scripture: Exodus 20:7 ; 2 Peter 1:20

Author: Stephen Kingsley
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